AFAIC, the "Trekkie" has always been a more juvenile distinction from "Trekker" (like a fan who just loves it, versus a fan who is more serious). But, if someone calls me either one, I don't really mind.

Hey, aren't we supposed to all be in this thing together? All fans of the same thing? I never understood why a "branch" of that fandom wanted to separate itself from a "less desireable" branch. That is definitely NOT in the spirit of Star Trek.

So if you're calling yourself a Trekker because you think you're better than Trekkies. Got off your high horse and get a grip, pal. And if you think Trekker is more dignified sounding than Trekkie, you should also realize that 95% of the rest of the world still thinks you're a dweeb like the rest of us.

I find the whole "Trekker" thing slightly silly, but, to be fair, I have no memories or personal experiences of ever being on the receiving end of "Trekkie" as an insult.

Is this actually an issue out there in the world these days? Is "Trekkie" actually considered an insult in some quarters?

Granted, my high school years are decades in the past, but I don't remember the word "Trekkie" being thrown in my face. Nor was this ever an issue at any of the mainstream jobs I worked back in the day.

I'm trying to remember if I've ever heard the term "Trekker" in conversation at all, and I cannot recall ever hearing the term. I would think that the differences in the use of the words come more in context and depend on the person saying it than which word is chosen.

AFAIC, the "Trekkie" has always been a more juvenile distinction from "Trekker" (like a fan who just loves it, versus a fan who is more serious). But, if someone calls me either one, I don't really mind.

Click to expand...

That's what "trekkers" tried to tell themselves, to look down on other fans as somehow more nerdy or fanatic about it, but it's a fake distinction made after the fact.

As others have pointed out, "trekker" was just invented because the term "trekkie" had come to have a negative connotation. Kind of sad that fans didn't just decide to stick with the original term and own it.

As others have pointed out, "trekker" was just invented because the term "trekkie" had come to have a negative connotation. Kind of sad that fans didn't just decide to stick with the original term and own it.

The May issue of Deck 6 [issue #8, in 1970] saw a very early distinction between the terms "trekkie" and "trekker." Carol Pruitt, the editor, said in part, "...when I start acting like a bubbleheaded trekkie (rather than a sober, dignified—albeit enthusiastic—trekker)." (Some fans think the distinction between the terms is a more recent phenomenon, but Deck 6 shows that fans were making that distinction over 30 years ago.)

You're absolutely correct about "trekker" predating TNG by a good many years. But I did not invent either of those words, I merely used them in my newszine DECK 6, thus inadvertently establishing them as already current in 1970. As a matter of fact, Linda Stanley explained "trekker" and "trekkie" to me at St. Louiscon in 1969 (though she didn't claim to have coined them either).

At that time, old-line SF fans were seeing their cons "invaded" by hordes of Trek fans, to many of whom SF was synonymous with Trek. It was my impression that "trekkie" was their derogatory word for us, and "trekker" was our attempt to salvage some dignity. That's probably an oversimplification, though, because both words predate my involvement in organized fandom.

The May issue of Deck 6 [issue #8, in 1970] saw a very early distinction between the terms "trekkie" and "trekker." Carol Pruitt, the editor, said in part, "...when I start acting like a bubbleheaded trekkie (rather than a sober, dignified—albeit enthusiastic—trekker)." (Some fans think the distinction between the terms is a more recent phenomenon, but Deck 6 shows that fans were making that distinction over 30 years ago.)

You're absolutely correct about "trekker" predating TNG by a good many years. But I did not invent either of those words, I merely used them in my newszine DECK 6, thus inadvertently establishing them as already current in 1970. As a matter of fact, Linda Stanley explained "trekker" and "trekkie" to me at St. Louiscon in 1969 (though she didn't claim to have coined them either).

At that time, old-line SF fans were seeing their cons "invaded" by hordes of Trek fans, to many of whom SF was synonymous with Trek. It was my impression that "trekkie" was their derogatory word for us, and "trekker" was our attempt to salvage some dignity. That's probably an oversimplification, though, because both words predate my involvement in organized fandom.

I was going to say something like that. The term Trekker is a judgemental reaction to the term "Trekkie". As though using a different word can give your fannishness some middle-class respectability. In fact, the opposite is the case.

Consider:

"I'm going to see the new Star Trek movie tonight."
"Oh, are you a Trekkie?"
"Yep, I'm a big fan."

Click to expand...

Versus:

"I'm going to see the new Star Trek movie tonight."
"Oh, are you a Trekkie?"
"No, I'm a Trekker."
"Um, what?"
"You see, a Trekkie is a childish person while a Trekker is a mature fan. The Trekkie is passive while the Trekker is on the journey. Please don't call me a Trekkie; Trekker is the term preferred by serious people."
"[speechless]"

Click to expand...

I would just call myself a fan. The two Trek-words imply a level of monomania that doesn't apply to me. I say this without judgement!